Gore sees 'greater depth and sophistication' in Obama's approach now

Former Vice President Al Gore is praising President Obama's tougher stance with Republicans since his reelection, saying he's "learned a great deal during his first term."

"I don't want to sound patronizing in saying that," Gore said on CNN's "Fareed Zakaria GPS." "I've learned a great deal from watching his first term. But I think that you already see a greater depth and sophistication in his approach."

Gore also credited Republicans in Congress for trying to rein in the "firebrands in their ranks who just want to stop everything." And he said both sides' rejiggered approach signals a new awareness that the American people are sick of gridlock.

"They don't want this hyperpartisanship," Gore said. "And one thing that I think President Obama has demonstrated is an ability to reach across the aisle, to try to invite more cooperation. But he's now tempering that with a new firmness as we saw on the fiscal cliff that I think will serve him in good stead."